440°

Zipper Interactive Is Closing Shop, What Does This Mean For Sony?

GR writes: "It's crazy to think that the same company that created SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs is now gone. I remember spending hours upon hours competing in SOCOM, and it was one of the first console games to push multi-player gaming. Truthfully, it played a substantial role in developing online gaming and making it what it is today."

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gamerevolution.com
dbjj120884823d ago

You might be the only one. Zipper hasn't exactly set the world on fire with their last few titles.

decrypt4822d ago (Edited 4822d ago )

Back in 2000, Sony was valued at 100 Billion USD. Today it is valued at 19 Billion usd. Without even consdiering inflation, Sony isnta shadow of their former selves. Studios shutting down is no surprise.

Hell i wouldnt be surprised if they bowed out of the console business.

Its not just the Console busines Sony has been suffering at, they are tanking on almost all fronts of electronics.

The TV market has been taken by companies like Samsung.

Phones again Samsung and Apple have taken that market.

The walkman business which Sony once dominated went obselete and is now replaced by Ipods and phones. Same thing can be said for cameras, camcorders etc, Todays phones are becoming very good replacements for all the above devices.

Hence the future certainly looks dull for Sony as of now.

Now i know Sony fans are going to be in denial, however figures speak louder then words 100billion usd in 2000 vs 19 billion usd today is a major difference.

SilentNegotiator4823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

I already missed them for years now.

What does this mean for Sony? Higher gross profit and a better reputation for quality, probably. Less lost jobs, since they aren't supporting a weak studio.

hay4823d ago

I sure hope this is lame April Fools joke...

NYC_Gamer4823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

Sony did the correct thing... why continue to support a studio that hasn't produced a hit since the PS2 era. Did people really expect Sony to dump money into Zipper and receive really no profit in return...What does this mean for Sony?more resources to buy a studio like Quantic Dream or build a new one.

DA_SHREDDER4823d ago

I don't know about quantic dream, but at least hold onto money instead of wasting it. They should have made a MAG sequel. Oh well, so long Zipper. I wonder what's gonna happen to Chris Roper?

Dante1124823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

I think Sony should pick up the studio Quantic Dreams.

Edit: @ Da_Shredder

It's never a good look when your own fanbase cheers that your studio has been closed and that you've been let go. Socom fans are harsh (Chris Roper and his "community" at the Socom.com and Socom facebook page at the moment lol).

ritsuka6664823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

NYC @, I agree dude.You gotta admit it that it's a good news for Sony so they have more resources for more potential studios like Naugthy dog and Polyphony digital ( really excellent studios)

It's still a mystery how sony did even think of buying this crap studio 0_o (london studio and Guerilla games are next im sure of it )

Pintheshadows4823d ago

I very much doubt Sony would shutter Guerilla. London Studio maybe, but Guerilla, can't see that happening.

BitbyDeath4823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

London Studio is one of Sony's biggest cash cows. They won't be going anywhere.

LS are the devs behind Home and SingStar

360GamerFG4823d ago

The level of damage control in this post is astounding. A whole bunch of people losing their jobs is good news for sony??

MysticStrummer4823d ago

@FinancialGamer - The lack of business knowledge from a person with your name is astounding. Zipper closing is bad news for Zipper, not Sony. Restructuring and downsizing nearly always make stocks rise in the long run. I know that's not what you want to happen though, judging from your usual posts. It would be bad news for Sony if they were forced to shut down their top money making studios because they didn't have the funds to keep them open. Zipper hasn't been a top money maker for years, though I love MAG and think it got a raw deal from reviewers and gamers alike.

SilentNegotiator4823d ago (Edited 4823d ago )

@FinancialPs3Hater

It had to happen and you know it. What were they supposed to do? Keep them on and let OTHER people eventually lose jobs to support Zipper?

Brilliant. What a fitting name, FinancialGamer. /s

Keep reaching for ways to incriminate ps3 fans with your 1-2 bubble pals. Reach for the stars, because they're happy to see the lesser amount of people suffer for Zipper Interactive as possible, and you're fishing for ways to blame them for it. Who's more pathetic?

You would LOVE to continue to see average titles made under the Sony name by Zipper, and low sales on their ps3 exclusives.

Oh, and people are done posting their RIPs and sorrows; they did that in the several preceding articles on the subject. Now articles are acting like it's a big bad impact on Sony and people are pointing out the obvious; it's not.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4823d ago
BitbyDeath4823d ago

If Sony can just go dump a studio cause of low profits then i don't think Quantic Dream is for them.

QD have said on numerous occasions that they do not care about making money. The fact that Heavy Rain did is irrelevant. Maybe there is a better reason why Zipper got closed but if it's money then i really think QD should stay independent so they can keep being themselves.

Persistantthug4823d ago

They were also dumped for having low Critical acclaim.

mushroomwig4823d ago

'QD have said on numerous occasions that they do not care about making money.'

Don't be so naive, QD are a company like any other. Of course they care about making money.

RememberThe3574823d ago

I think this was more about quality standards. Sony wants their first party to set standards, and Zipper wasn't living up to that expectation - they couldn't seem to make quality games for the life of them. If Zipper was making really good games I really believe they'd still be around and Sony would be looking for new marketing teams. But Zipper delivered dud after dud and Sony can't justify keeping a studio open that doesn't make good games.

plumber154823d ago

Your right , but the fact they sold out o the (COD) crowd didn't help them .They should have stuck to what the real fans wanted and for what the game was known for and that's being hardcore if you will . Sure I bought Socom 4 and was disappointed that they went the (COD) route but the fact that a company like Slant six dose a better job then Zipper the company that invented the game it's sad really . The only thing Zipper did well in Socom 4 was the graphics but the is subjective .

LolololRumz4823d ago

No point wasting money on QD when they've already committed themselves to Sony and want to stay independent. Invest in building a new studio

mobhit4822d ago

Financial Gamer: The way you're screaming doom for Sony is pretty sad, to say the least. I don't know why you frequent Sony articles if you hate Sony so much.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 4822d ago
GraveLord4823d ago

What does this mean for Sony? They not have less mediocre games to promote. Socom 4 and MAG weren't really anything special and none of Zipper Interactives games had any positive impact on PS3.

LUCKYXS7LEVEN4823d ago

while i agree on your opinion u have to give credit to this guys, they pulled a 256 mp on consoles

Virtual_Reality4823d ago

Without lag, while in other games with less than 20 players, bugs and already hacked like COD.

Zipper really deserves a credit for that.

MysticStrummer4823d ago

MAG was and is special. Best and most forward thinking console FPS of this generation, at least until Dust 514 shows up. SOCOM4 was a good game, it just wasn't enough like old school SOCOM for the whining masses. I loved all the past SOCOMs and I enjoyed S4's multiplayer quite a bit.

InTheZoneAC4822d ago

comparing socom 4 to ANY other online shooter clearly paints a below average game, not just comparing it to older socoms

the "whining" masses that cried socom is too hardcore got what they wanted with S4 and we all saw how that turned out...

Smashbro294823d ago

MAG was kinda cool. But honestly they can get almost any big studio to make shooters.

Tai_Kaliso4823d ago

Am I the only one that thinks this was mismanagement on Sony's part? Zipper did nothing but great things before Sony bought them, nothing but mediocre things afterwards.

I think MAG was interesting, but the lack of any single player campaign really hurt it in my opinion.

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170°

Sony Aims To Sell 15 Million PS5 Units This Year, but Is Shifting Focus to Monthly Active Users

Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki and CFO Lin Tao talked about the state of the PlayStation business and the strategy and targets going forward, including how they're responding to the tariffs.

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simulationdaily.com
1Victor31d ago

I wonder how the USA tariffs war will affect that projection. 🤔

S2Killinit31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I think they take that into consideration when they announce their projections. Currently, after the xbox price increase, the PRO is cheaper than the series x! That is ridiculous, and it can’t last.

darthv7231d ago

you keep saying that but the price of a PS5 Pro is S699.99 (US) and the price of a Series X is $599.99 (US)

S2Killinit31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

The series x with 2 TB storage space is more expensive than PS5 PRO which also has 2 TB storage space.

darthv7231d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Oh so you are pitting a regular Pro with a special edition X... got it. If you are going so far as trying to compare apples to apples... please add in the optical drive and stand to the Pro. Seeing as the X has both of those by default.

I will help you if you are unable to do so.
PS5 Pro 2tb: $699.99, Optical Drive: $79.99, Stand: $29.99 = $809.97
Xbox Series X Galaxy Black Special Edition 2TB: $729.99

31d ago
S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

The PS5 PRO has 2TB storage. The series X with 2TB storage and much weaker, is… more expensive! So yeah, Im pointing out that fact.

Also, the PRO does not require a stand.

Ps: regular series 2TB is $749 (where did u get 729?)

darthv7230d ago

Its right here on the official XB site: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

Okay, so no stand for the Pro, but you might still want the optical drive. So $779.98 vs $729.99. A properly outfitted Pro is still more $$ than a 2tb X.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

Do I need to mention that the series x is not nearly as powerful as the PS5 PRO?

And no, the PS5 PRO runs just fine without a drive, and people don’t have to buy the drive right away, assuming they want it.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 30d ago
drivxr31d ago

I wonder why they are shifting focus to MAU.

RaiderNation31d ago

Because that's where the real money is made, in microtransactions.

Profchaos31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

People are spending less time playing is a typical trigger for this.

The less time spent playing the less likely you are to spend more money on games and services including subs or even the next console.

Increased engagement equals more money.

31d ago
DarXyde31d ago

Same reason Microsoft does it: it looks better to investors and it's a solution when unit sales slow down.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this metric; and by using it, you're kind of signaling that you're moving into the "This is a PlayStation" era.

Z50131d ago

Because the PS4 also has users and not necessarily sales

Obscure_Observer29d ago

"I wonder why they are shifting focus to MAU."

Because they´d finally realized that MS wasn´t wrong after all.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 29d ago
31d ago
31d ago
310°

Sony Announces Large Profits Growth for PlayStation; Expects Further Wins in Current Fiscal Year

Sony announced its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, and things are certainly looking up, despite a decline in PS5 sales.

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simulationdaily.com
CrimsonWing6932d ago

Expect sh*t to slow down if prices aren’t kept in check.

Redgrave32d ago

Who downvotes the truth?

Even PSN itself is too damn high.jpg

S2Killinit31d ago

Gamepass is already at 20$ per month if im not mistaken.

toxic-inferno31d ago

@neutralgamer1992

Not all of us. I'm a big PlayStation fan, and have been since the PSOne. But I can't begin to defend what's happening currently.

At least Nintendo release a large number of games from their major franchises. Sony is just not banking on their established franchises, and yet are raising prices. Not great.

S2Killinit31d ago

Im pretty sure we are going to see a price increase for PRO. I mean think about it, its currently cheaper than xbox series x! That cannot last.

Eonjay31d ago

I'm absolutely sure we will not see a price increase. I don't think we should 'expect' to see price increase because it just adds validity to what Nintendo and Microsoft have done.

darthv7231d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Sorry to pop that bubble but the Pro is not cheaper than a series x... generally speaking (like you are). It is cheaper than one specific version, and doing so by not including the optical drive and stand like the X has by default.

So keep on trying to convince people you are right when everyone knows it's quite the opposite. A stock Pro is $699.99 and a stock X is $599.99. A special edition galactic black 2tb X is $729.99. And if you really want to compare apples to apples... adding the aforementioned optical drive and stand brings that Pro to $809.97 and then they would be on equal footing.

Twisting truths to fit a narrative... I expect better from you S2.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

The PS5 PRO has 2TB storage. And the series X with 2TB is more expensive. Which in my opinion is insane conseidering how much more powerful the PRO is. The PS5PRO does not need a stand, it can be used without a stand.

TheKingKratos32d ago

So the Pro is not offering any push in sales at all ?

CrashMania31d ago

It's still an expensive, niche product ultimately. And they exceeded their sales projections for units sold by half a million.

lawox31d ago

"18.5 million units have been shipped during the full fiscal year. This is actually ahead of the 18 million units target set by the company."

They beat their yearly estimate. It's not broken down by device, but it's clearly performing well enough. Since it's been released it's consistently been the second best selling SKU on Amazon only after the the Slim with disc.

31d ago
Bathyj31d ago

18 million a year is in the toilet?
I remember when 10 was considered good
Hell Microsoft would take that right now.
Probably pay $100b for it.

31d ago
BeHunted32d ago

If their profits fall next quarter, we'll probably see more price hikes. I can't imagine having to pay £20 a month for PlayStation Plus.

S2Killinit31d ago

I think gamepass is already paying that much.

31d ago
drivxr31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Decline in hardware sales.
Behind on lifetime sales and decline in first party sales.
Third party content and PSN came through to save the day.
Things will improve starting with the next Ghost game.

Hopefully a steady flow of first party content by end of '25

rlow131d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I guess you get downvoted for stating facts from Sony’s own lips. What I’m curious about is what their top games of the year were and how much Xbox games contributed to the increase?

CrashMania31d ago

Well, generally 3rd party publisher games contribute the most anyway, so no different to capcom, EA and so on contributing to this figure.

lawox31d ago

That's because the report is actually really good.

They beat the console sales estimate that they set last year March, they have increased users both due to the record numbers of PS4 users and strong PS5 sales which is leading to great profits in sales and user spend.

This report is about the financial health of the PlayStation brand and as a platform PlayStation is stronger than ever. Heck they even have Microsoft putting their biggest franchises on the platform.

31d ago
S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

Well, the facts in the article are positive. Nothing wrong with his comment, but in my opinion it doesn't correctly indicate all the facts and nuances that give context to the reality of things. I downvoted for that only.

Make sense?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 30d ago
Lightning7731d ago

This is exactly what happened to Xbox year's ago. They had no first party and started seeing decline in 1st party sales, which effected their third party games which eventually effected their console sales. A slow decline across the board.

Calm down PS fans I'm not saying PS is becoming like old Xbox. I'm showing examples of the importance of first party output. Look how Xbox finally has compelling first party and things are on a up swing(despite years going on a downswing). I know thanks to PS releases which helps a ton, (which is why Xbox hardware only dropped 6% instead of 30+% like it usually does) The point still stands despite what Genz Trends may go, first party and compelling games sell hardware and software still. Sony's financial quarter is an example of this, of what lower First party output looks like.

No matter they'll be right back on track in due time any time especially with DS2 (not my type of game but I know many like it) and Yotei. They're not Xbox and let things get bad for so many years on end.

crazyCoconuts31d ago

"I'm showing examples of the importance of first party output. "
First party is mostly relevant for the sole purpose of creating EXCLUSIVES that are needed to stay competitive. With Xbox consoles collapsing and no more Xbox exclusives, first party is way less important. PlayStation as a platform now has free reign to profit without the high expense of needing exclusive first party titles.

red2tango31d ago

Sony has been very lazy with 1st party games compared to the PS4 era. And even the PS4 era was nothing compared to the PS3 era in terms of games.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

We have Ghost and Intergalactic coming. And then Marathon which is not exclusive to PlayStation. I think Covid and that chip shortage put a speedbump in game development because game manufacturers dont want even more risk that their game will arrive to too little hardware, but the games are starting to show up.

Lightning7731d ago

"With Xbox consoles collapsing and no more Xbox exclusives, first party is way less important."

Absolutely not. If that was the case then Nintendo would put Mario on Sega Genesis and Sonic on Super Nintendo. I know things are way different 30+ years later but not much has really changed in terms of exclusives and their impact on hardware. Especially early in the console life cycle.

Sony made all the money this quarter handover fist. Profits isn't a issue for them right now. I was just saying lower hardware sales and lower first party sales will hurt them or any console manufacturer of they don't have the compelling games in the long run. Just like it hurt Xbox. IF Sony keeps up not having lower first part output. Which we know they're not.

crazyCoconuts31d ago

Well no big exclusives in the last two years yet PS is doing great. What are people gonna do? Buy an Xbox?

S2Killinit30d ago

I agree with you. But they have had plenty of exclusives so far. Has it been ideal? Nope. I have a feeling we are seeing a resurgence with the effects of covid and that chip shortage now behind us.

Lightning7731d ago

No it's just like 360 where they had no games yet ppl still bought it because they sold ppl on the games early on that gen the fans were locked in and invested. They were riding the good will and was dubbed the shooter, racer box. The games dried up and they never recovered from it which hurt them in the long run. Same here with PS they still make the big bucks because they had games early on and the fans locked in and will continue to lock in for a little while longer despite lacking in first party.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

I agree. But the problem with xbox was that for some crazy reason MS thought game development wasnt all that important to a platform holder. They literally did not fund games with their own studios. When they lost marketshare they couldnt justify paying for exclusives with large install bases making it too expensive. That is not the scenario with PlayStation.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 30d ago
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150°

PS5 shipments top 77.8 million

PlayStation 5 has shipped 77.8 million units worldwide, Sony announced in its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

italiangamer32d ago

Perfectly in line to reach 100 million by March 2026.

Profchaos31d ago

Theys have to clear 22.2 million to do this.
When you average out the current number over 5 years it's unlikely.

If the console was going down in price it would be possible but they have not been able to reduce the cost in fact it's gone up so this is working against them.

gta Vi has also been pushed out of the financial year and there's likely millions of GTA v players still on ps5 that have not made the jump those players would for GTA vi

The overall poor market conditions and uncertainty doesn't fill me with confidence trade war, weak yen and the ongoing cost of living crisis. We're not talking core gamers picking up a new system were talking gamers who wait for the back 9 to enter a new generation.

I think 2027 they will but 100 not this year.

italiangamer31d ago

They will reach 100 million during 2026.

S2Killinit31d ago

It might actually get a boost considering that even the PS5 PRO is currently cheaper than the series x. This will of course be over soon as Im expecting a price hike for the PRO.

Travesty31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I know Sony said they are considering raising prices.. Well as of yesterday China and the US lifted their tariffs standoff. At least for 90 days until they can agree on a trade deal that would benefit both parties. So with manufacturing in China and shipping them to the US I’m hoping it will not affect the prices.

Although I kind of doubt Sony will top 100 million since GTA 6 will be releasing next year by March. Could be wrong and I’ll be glad to be.

Xbox shooting itself in the foot or more like nailing their own coffin with rising prices. Hopefully Sony will stay put.. Ghost of Yotei is releasing for $70 still so that’s a god sign hopefully.

senorfartcushion31d ago

Is this a good thing for someone with no shares in Sony stock?

italiangamer31d ago

More PS5 on the market = higher chance of getting even more games.
It's not rocket science.

gold_drake31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

very nice.
in almost 5 years too.
some big hitters are yet to come

badz14931d ago (Edited 31d ago )

come on...don't say that! that slogan "Greatness Awaits" is haunting me everytime someone says this and yeah...1st party output has not been a highlight this gen which is a huge bummer! personally, I would rate their 1st party output this gen 4/10!

gold_drake31d ago

to be honest, when i typed it out, it did sound like a slogan for that ha